James Baldwin

 James Baldwin

 My Reflection of “Sonny’s Blues” by James Baldwin

            James Baldwin lived from 1924-1987. He was known as the most important American black writer during the 20^th century. He supported himself at an early age and became a writer at an early age as well. He was a voice for black Americans often warning white Americans of what was to come. He was often considered militant for this.

            “Sonny’s Blues” was told from a first person point of view. The main character is a teacher, but his name is not mentioned in the short story.  The teacher is reminded of his brother Sonny one day in class. As he sees the young men going down a troubled path, he thinks of his brother. They remind him of Sonny. Apparently, the teacher had not seen Sonny in quite some time. 

            The teacher had memories of Sonny and his drug usage. He couldn’t believe Sonny had been caught with drugs.  Although Sonny was a drug addict, his brother still thought he was a good boy. The mother often worried about Sonny too. She asked the brother to take care of him once she was gone. The father had died when Sonny was only fifteen. 

            The teacher and Sonny are reunited at the mother’s funeral. That seems such a terrible place to reunite with a family member. The teacher soon remembers what he had promised his mother in regards to Sonny. So, he asks Sonny what type of work he has been doing. The teacher learns that Sonny has been playing the piano in a Jazz band. The teacher seemed disappointed that he was not going to school but instead hanging out in Greenwich Village with friends. 

            The teacher is consumed with everything that happened with his brother Sonny. He doesn’t realize his own feelings, but instead focuses on the troubled youth and adulthood of his brother Sonny.